[Laryngeal fractures due to blunt trauma].
BACKGROUND
Laryngeal fractures due to blunt trauma are rare. Consensus on diagnosis and treatment is therefore needed.


METHODS
A retrospective search of patient records in the period 2000-2007. Data were obtained on sex, age, time from trauma to first medical visit, time from trauma to operation, result of laryngeal computertomography, pre- and postoperative videostroboscopy, pre- and postoperative evaluation of voice quality, method of operation and status at last follow-up.


RESULTS
Seven patients, six males aged 24-54 and one female aged 24. All had moderate to severe laryngeal trauma, and all except one needed surgical intervention. Three had the fracture stabilized with titanium net/miniplates. The postoperative voice was evaluated as good/acceptable in four patients, one had a recurrent nerve palsy and was lost to follow-up; one is still undergoing voice therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients must be examined for hoarseness, laryngeal pain, aphonia, asymmetry, bleeding and subcutaneous emphysema located in or around the larynx. Based on a computertomography, dislocated fractures should be operated (preferably within 48 hours). It is necessary to obtain stable fractures. The use of titanium nets or miniplates is recommended.
Mey
Kristianna
K
Øre, Naese, Hals og Hoved/halskirurgisk Klinik C0832, Hillerød Sygehus, DK-3400 Hillerød. meymorch@privat.dk
Rasmussen
Niels
N
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007817:Laryngeal Cartilages / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D049489:Stroboscopy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014833:Voice Quality; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*